Injured Ukrainian soldiers have been receiving rehab in Stockholm for some time now.
On Wednesday, they received a double ministerial visit when Ukraine’s Minister of Social Affairs Oksana Zholnovych visited Sweden and the center together with Minister of Health Acko Ankarberg Johansson (KD).
– This is super important for us, says Oksana Zholnovych.
For almost six months, 50-year-old Mykhailo from Ukraine has received treatment in Sweden for his war injuries. Right now he is being rehabilitated at the Aleris Rehab Station in Solna, north of Stockholm.
– I have received good help and my knee has been saved. I am very grateful for this help, he says.
In connection with the outbreak of the war, the EU’s mass displacement directive was activated, and thanks to it, more than 80 Ukrainian soldiers have so far received rehabilitation care in Sweden. About forty of them at the center in Solna, which today received visitors all the way from Ukraine.
The minister: “Extremely grateful”
– I am extremely grateful to Sweden for accepting our Ukrainian citizens for rehabilitation. This is super important for us, says Ukrainian Minister of Social Affairs Oksana Zholnovych.
Also present during the visit was Acko Ankarberg Johansson (KD), Sweden’s Minister of Health, who promised continued humanitarian support to Ukraine.
– Sustained help, which will be available until the day Ukraine is a free country again, she says.
Haven’t seen the family in 15 months
The humanitarian support from Sweden and other countries is particularly important. explains Oksana Zholnovych.
– Our entire budget goes to defending Ukraine. That is why this care, for those who are seriously injured, is especially important.
It has now been fifteen months since Mykhailo met his family, first he was at the front and then Sweden. The longing for home is great, he says, but he does not know when that trip will end.
– I want to go home and help Ukraine, help with what I can, he says.